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إيّاكَ والغَضَبَ، فَأوَّلُهُ جُنُونٌ، وآخِرُهُ نَدَمٌ۔

Keep away from anger, for its beginning is madness and its end is regret.

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Keep away from anger, for its beginning is madness and its end is regret.

— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Anger)

Personal Reflection

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad (), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to stay away from anger, as its consequences can be detrimental. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (ghaḍab) "غَضَبَ" in the Hadith refers to anger, a strong emotion that can cloud one's judgment and lead to irrational behavior. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the dangers of anger by stating that its beginning is (junoon) "جُنُونٌ", which means madness or insanity. This indicates that anger can drive a person to act irrationally, losing control over their thoughts and actions.

The Quran also emphasizes the importance of controlling anger. In Surah Al-Imran (3:134), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) praises those who suppress their anger and forgive others, stating,

Those who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse highlights the virtue of controlling anger and forgiving others, as it is an act that is beloved to Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that the end result of anger is (nadam) "نَدَمٌ", which means regret. This implies that when one acts out of anger, they often end up regretting their actions and the consequences that follow. This regret can manifest in various ways, such as damaged relationships, loss of trust, or even legal consequences.

The Quran also warns against the negative consequences of acting impulsively out of anger. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:199), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises Prophet Muhammad () to

show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse highlights the importance of responding to anger with forgiveness and wisdom, rather than reacting impulsively.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we can understand that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging us to exercise self-control and restraint when faced with anger. By doing so, we can avoid the negative consequences that arise from acting impulsively in moments of anger. Instead, we should strive to respond with patience, forgiveness, and wisdom, as taught by the Quran and exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad () and his noble companions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to stay away from anger and its destructive effects. By controlling our anger and responding with patience and forgiveness, we can maintain harmonious relationships and avoid the regret that often follows impulsive actions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to control our anger and act in accordance with His guidance.

. : . (Readers are advised to verify the sources mentioned above, and to independently research for an accurate understanding of Hadith. Remember, personal research and seeking guidance from scholars are essential in gaining a better insight. Please, do contact us if you find any wrong citations or explanations.)

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